The No-No

It is said that when you are in a discussion with friends, you should never talk about politics or religion. Let’s just say I will try to heed that… but just a little, and hopefully not stray into deep waters. The reason for not speaking about these two subjects is that they can bring out the worst in us as we retreat to the safety of our little corner and shout from there. The underlying reason is quite simple really. If you don’t agree on something at the start, you will not agree at the end, no matter how eloquent the arguments are made on either side. In fact, a perfectly good friendship can be changed forever. In the hope that we will still be friends, let me take the safer of these two ‘no-nos’ and bring up the subject of politics.

The starting point is easy. In politics both sides whether left or right want to live in a better world, and so bring out their plans to make it happen. These manifestos will be identical in some points, similar in others, and diametrically opposed in a few. The trouble is that these last ones tend to be the things we want to talk about, because they are the most interesting and divisive! We are drawn like a moth to the flame. We try, but we can’t keep our mouth shut.

Now here’s the question I want to leave with you. How do you and I react when we differ greatly on a major part of the manifesto, even with our friends?? I guess for the most part, we humour them (and ourselves) and pass it over as just ‘one of those things’, and that is good. But then there are those other times when we differ (and we will) over something which separates us greatly. It’s not so easy to gloss over these ones, and so we enter dangerous ground. If we stay quiet, they will think we have come over to their way, but then if we disagree as strongly as they have made their case, we will probably say too much and jeopardise our relationship. And anyway we argue (to ourselves) we always said we should be open and honest with each other. That openness and honesty can, and will, come with a cost. And there will be more than a political price to pay.

Come to think of it, whether in politics or religion, the dangers and pitfalls are the same. There are times we must make an informed but calculated decision to speak out about those things that separate us within the Christian church, or stay silent in order to keep the peace. Either way, silent or not, there is still a high price to pay with important relationships. Maybe then the old adage is true after all. We don’t talk about religion or politics in ANY open company. The price is huge, and have you noticed that neither side is ever wrong. Bad enough when it’s politics, but unChristlike when it’s religion.

ABC

The leader of a UK main political party recently announced that he was standing down. At the recent General Election his party won more seats, with an increase in membership. So, why the resignation of an apparently successful leader?

Tim Farron is a Christian, and was not afraid to say it. He paid the price because the media hounded him to explain his views on homosexuality, same sex marriage, abortion etc. which he had tried to keep separate from his politics. As a Christian, of course he is out of step with the mainstream secular, ‘godless’ society and the media made no bones about making him a target. I am forced to ask an obvious, but simple question. If Tim Farron was a Muslim or a Hindu would it have caused such a stir? Absolutely not (in my view)! Our once ‘Christian nation’ now adopts the ABC approach. That’s “Anything But Christianity”. We seem to take delight in running down anything or anyone “Christian”, but the same rules do not apply to other faith groups. Is that because Christians are an easy target for a lazy ‘put down’ by the media? After all, Christianity is based on love and forgiveness, not fighting, revenge, or jihad.

Our Western nations in general, are (or at least were) mainly Christian, forming laws based on the principles contained in the Bible. Not so much now, as we are more than happy to use Christlike people fodder for comedians, atheists and naysayers. We should not be surprised, after all Jesus warned us that we would be criticized and insulted because of our faith, and he should know, after all He was cruelly tortured and murdered! Knowing what lay ahead, Jesus warned us with these words:

People will hate you because you belong to the Son of Man. They will make you leave their group. They will insult you. They will think it is wrong even to say your name. When these things happen, know that great blessings belong to you. Luke 6:22 ERV  

Peace?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

At one end of the scale, we have the Pakistani Religious Body (Council of Islamic Ideology) which says men should be allowed to 'Lightly Beat' their wives (yes, that’s plural). At the other end of the scale we have feuding Muslims who kill each other, usually Sunni instigated, and who also have a deep hatred of other Muslims, Christians and Jews. In fact hatred to death extends to the infidel, ie anyone who is NOT a Muslim. Have you watched the news bulletins? These deaths are counted in their thousands, not singly. On top of that, they do not accept that the nation of Israel has the right to exist. How much hatred does that show, and yet we, as a nation, and individually, make allowances and excuses for them. After all, we are told Islam is a religion of peace and our politicians line up to agree and sympathise. The words of an old saying come to mind, “There are none so blind as those who will not see.”

Let’s have a look at some of the other practices of this ‘peaceful’ religion. Let me be clear, these practices are not practiced by all Muslims all the time, but they ARE all Muslim beliefs practiced and authorised by their holy book, the Quran also known as the Koran which ALL Muslims believe in and accept fully.

• Sharia Law will authorise a thief's hand be cut off for stealing.

• Young girls beaten to the point of death for listening to the ‘wrong music’

• The kidnap of young girls to sell as slaves, or ‘wives’ to Islamic fighters

• A belief that the infidel can be beheaded

• Muslims will kill other Muslims who are of a different branch or sect

• Believe in the elimination of Israel and its people from the face of the earth

• Believe in setting up a caliphate where Islam rules completely in law and religion

• Enforce Sharia Law to supercede the laws of any/every land

• Deface and burn down churches and synagogues

• Destroy ancient religious relics if not Islamic

• Support so called honour killings

• Believe that girls should not be educated

• Martyrdom ‘guarantees’ paradise

Whenever a nation is abused by Muslims (sometimes called Islamic extremists, but they are one and the same) and many people are murdered and maimed in the name of Allah, our politicians say “We are at war”. Really? It doesn’t look like it, and the murdering Muslims know it! There are no mass demonstrations by ‘ordinary Muslims’ protesting about these barbaric practices. I suggest they don’t need to protest publicly because there are enough infidel apologists who will speak up on their behalf, and defend them. Is it possible that our leaders and politicians know the true face of Islam, and don’t know what to do or say out of fear?

We are getting that we don’t like to say anything about the ‘religion of peace’, after all we don’t want to offend anyone. Especially if they want to kill us. A definition is needed because meaning is lost. “Islamophobia” by definition is the fear of Islam. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are NOT afraid of Islam, or Muslim followers, and we should be free to speak the truth about this barbaric, abusive, warring, religion followed in fear by their own adherents. The politically correct politicians don’t want this openness, and the many thousands of people who don’t care about religion or faith, let it all wash over them as long as they are not affected.

The following poem was penned by Pastor Martin Niemoller about the Nazi ‘Final Solution’:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

I think it’s time to add the lines….

Then they came for the Christians, and I did not speak out—

And I was a Christian.

Perfect Storm

You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Matt 24:5-7 NIV

I am no expert on any subject, as anyone who reads my thoughts regularly will know, but something isn’t right ‘out there’ in the big wide world. Do you keep an eye on the news? If so, you will have seen the same things as me. Things like:

The Arab Spring which fades almost as fast as it rises, and in its wake leaves thousands dead or injured.

The monetary crisis in Europe’s Eurozone started by a few financial ‘experts’, but affecting millions of ordinary people.

Global Warming affecting the polar icecaps at a rate never before known, causing tidal changes which in turn affects global temperatures and impacts established climate patterns.

A drop in ethics and morality in the civilised, once Christian western cultures, leading to high crime rates and a generation which is not taught the difference between good and evil, because evil may not exist, and everything is relative. Nothing is absolute, and especially not truth.

Then, at least for me, the biggest one of all is the sabre rattling of North Korea as it thumbs its nose in hatred of the capitalist ‘religious’ western world in general, and the USA in particular. While they posture, and position their long range, possibly nuclear missiles in areas to target enemy nations around the globe, we shiver in fear and disbelief. The chances are, if you are reading this, you are living in a country which is already in the crosshairs of their sights.

Any one of these, taken on its own, would be trouble enough, but when they all happen together you could be forgiven for thinking about that ‘perfect storm’ which in some folk’s minds could spell Armageddon, or is that taking it too far? Prophecy is not my strong point, but the signs are undeniable and plain to see, so could they show a clear and present danger to civilisation as we know it today? If so, what do we do about it? In fact, what can we do about it at our level? Maybe not a lot when we think of the complexity of the world stage.

Jesus has some advice for His followers. He tells us not to be alarmed. Nice one! Jesus tells us not to worry! What, seriously? Does Jesus not know what is happening today? Of course he does, and that makes His advice even more important and relevant. There is nothing we can do to influence world politics, but there is something we can do for ourselves, and that is stop worrying. However, in truth, we can only do that when we are resting fully in the safety of His Salvation and love. We need to get right before a Holy and Just God, stay there, and start to live Christ-like lives as though we mean it. How many warnings would it take for us to do that I wonder? Just asking.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. 2 Peter 3:9-11 NIV

It's Not All Bad News

I have added this article to balance things a little, and to suggest it's not all bad news, even if it feels like it sometimes.

A Christian Tory candidate who faced slurs over her church involvement has been backed by party leader, David Cameron. Philippa Stroud is standing for the Conservative Party in Sutton and Cheam, South London. At the weekend The Observer newspaper alleged that she helped establish a church 20 years ago that taught homosexual conduct could be ‘cured’ through ‘prayer’.

Misreported

The Guardian website reports that Tony Blair’s former press secretary, Alastair Campbell, was pushing for the story to have wider coverage. But David Cameron told the BBC that Mrs Stroud had made “a very clear statement to say she was completely misreported”. In her statement Mrs Stroud said: “I make no apology for being a committed Christian.

Offended

“However, it is categorically untrue that I believe homosexuality to be an illness and I am deeply offended that The Observer has suggested otherwise. “I have spent 20 years working with disturbed people who society have turned their back on and are not often supported by state agencies; drug addicts, alcoholics, the mentally ill and the homeless that I and my charitable friends in the public sector have tried to help over the years. “The idea that I am prejudiced against gay people is both false and insulting.”

Poverty

Philippa Stroud lives in Sutton with her husband David, a church leader, and their three teenage children. She is Director of the Centre for Social Justice, an independent think-tank set up by Iain Duncan Smith in 2004 to tackle poverty and social breakdown. Last month senior Tory, Chris Grayling, said Christians who run B&Bs from their own home should be allowed freedom of conscience over the provision of double beds to same-sex couples.

Principles

Labour and the Lib Dems slammed the suggestion and Labour’s Alan Johnson called for Mr Grayling to be sacked. But Mr Grayling said that “we must be sensitive to the genuinely held principles of faith groups in this country.”

Not Easy This Time!

Ok so it's done now. The postal vote has been filled in, and is waiting to be put into the postbox. What a decision.....

I have always taken a fair interest in politics, and the shenanigans they get into as they spin their lies, sorry policies, to get the keys to number 10. This time, I have been more interested and engaged than ever before, and have even written to candidates to see where they stand on certain issues. Did this help? Not a whole lot really! At the start of this election fever season, I decided that I would cast my lot with the most moral party. Surely that should be easy to find? Well, no, and that will be apparent if you have read any of the previous blogs. There are immoral policies and people in each one. So what made me decide on which one was for me? 

First, I had to go back to basics. What combination of party and policy did I think would address the challenges of our nations debt, and yes, whose hands would be the safest for our moral, ethical and Christian future? Know what? I may as well have blindfolded myself and put a pin in a piece of paper. One overriding, and driving force to make me pick one of them, is the fact that people in past wars fought and died to keep our freedoms, and we shouldn't take that lightly. Even if the political parties use and abuse this freedom, and continue to use smoke and mirrors, style and make up, to help us decide that theirs is the one.

Eventually, I looked, not at our prospective leaders, but at my local candidates, and that made it easier. After all, I didn't see Cameron, Brown or Clegg (or even Salmond) on my postal voting slip! Then it all got clearer. I decided  to look at my present MP's voting record on those important moral issues (this is easy to find online) and compare this to the other unknowns standing for election.  

So, I voted at last. Six days before the election, but only after the last leaders' debate on TV, and after I had done some personal homework on my own candidates. I don'y know if it will turn out to be the best decision I have ever made, but as a mere voter, I have done what I can with one of the greatest freedoms we are privileged to have in our nation, and that all by itself outweighs any doubt I may have. 

Faith Schools and Politics

The Lib Dems want to remove faith schools’ ability to protect their ethos by selecting teachers who share a school’s faith position. The party also says in its manifesto that faith schools should take children from families who may not support a school’s religious ethos.

The Lib Dem manifesto says the party would “ensure that all faith schools develop an inclusive admissions policy and end unfair discrimination on grounds of faith when recruiting staff, except for those principally responsible for optional religious instruction”. Critics fear that the policy would threaten thousands of high-achieving faith schools across the country.

Last month the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks said that faith schools encourage the attributes children need. He said “faith schools tend to have a strong ethos that emphasises respect for authority, the virtues of hard work, discipline and a sense of duty, a commitment to high ideals, a willingness to learn, a sense of social responsibility, a preference for earned self-respect rather than unearned self-esteem, and the idea of an objective moral order that transcends subjective personal preference”. And Lord Sacks concluded in his article for The Times newspaper: “One way or another, the critics should reflect on this simple question. If faith schools are so bad, why do thoughtful, often secular, parents think they are so good?”

Nick Clegg, a self confessed atheist, has claimed that Christian values are “central” to his policies in an article for a leading church newspaper. 

However, a Daily Telegraph report of the article, headlined ‘Atheist Nick Clegg discovers religion in time for polling day’, appears to cast doubt on Mr Clegg’s sincerity.

I don't know about you, but I am confused! The top part of the above press release seems to suggest that the Lib Dems (and therefore the leader, Nick Clegg) want to make changes to Faith Schools, and remove the choice of the schools to employ teachers who believe, and the children of those who also believe in that faith. Then, in the last part, I learn that Nick Clegg does not have a faith, since he is atheist, but claims that 'Christian values are central to his policies'.

Are you confused now like me? Try to read the top part in italics again, and see the obvious contradiction. How can an atheist have the heart of a faith school, especially a Christian faith, with its values, as central to his thinking? If it was indeed central, he would therefore be a believer of some kind, and in one of the faiths. For me, the two don't go together, so I think he has shot himself in the foot. Yes, he had a good first leader's debate, as they traded insults along with their policies, and he had some good one liners, but I expect a deeper character in my leader, and a contradiction in stated values says a lot about Nick Clegg. 

I want a strong leader I can trust, and have some faith in, and it would help if that leader also had a faith of his own. I don't like the smell of deception in the pursuit of power!